Raye Barbieri is the new leader of KHCC

The Kingsbridge Heights Community Center announced Monday that Raye Barbieri would replace Margaret Della as chief executive.

Barbieri comes in to the top position with more than 25 years of experience working with nonprofits and New York City government. Della, who is stepping down as the organization’s head in March, has successfully led KHCC since 2016. Barbieri will assume the top spot on March 13.

Barbieri serves as chief program officer at JCCA, a child welfare, behavioral health and wellness organization serving children, youth and families across Greater New York City.  At JCCA, Barbieri manages a team of more than 700 staff members. Previously, she served as a deputy commissioner of the New York City Administration for Children’s Services.

“We are especially thrilled to welcome Raye as KHCC approaches its 50th year of service to the community,” said Lisa Lindvall, KHCC board chair. “She is a seasoned, visionary leader who brings strong management, communication, planning and team-building skills to the position.”

Barbieri is ready to jump into the new position.

“I am honored and very excited to be stepping in as the new CEO at the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center,” Barbieri said. “KHCC has been providing amazing services, support, and opportunities for Bronx children, adults, and families for nearly 50 years, evolving and growing to meet changing needs and respond to new challenges.”

Della is glad to see her job in such steady hands.

“I am thrilled that KHCC’s board of directors, with guidance from staff, selected Raye Barbieri to lead the organization towards its future and whatever that holds,” said Della, outgoing CEO. “KHCC is a nimble, community-responsive, purposeful settlement house that has not only survived terrible circumstances, but thrived in spite of them.”

Barbieri is a licensed clinical social worker and holds a master of social work from Columbia University, a bachelor of social work from Wheelock College Boston University and received certification as an urban naturalist from the New York Botanical Garden School of Horticulture. She also sits on the Board of Directors of Riverdale Neighborhood House, the Dean’s Advisory Board of Boston University School of Social Work and has previously served on the International Juvenile Justice Observatory Board.